Majestic Princess! Finally!
As we prepared to leave, I looked at our door to confirm check-out time... though there wasn't a time listed, it did have instructions for the fire alarm (which we had happen during our stay) and evacuation alarm (which we also had during our stay). Kind of amusing they describe the evacuation alarm as "whoop whoop" which is the sound I make when something really exciting is happening!
Had to take a photo of a couple of the apology letters we received during our four night stay... we spent the first night in room 301... a nice room with a view of the harbor. We enjoyed seeing the ships sail in and out from the port. As mentioned before, it rained and rained and RAINED... which caused water to leak through the floor and ceiling so we were moved to 314 which ran along the other side of the building. The letters were to apologize for the rooftop pool and viewing area being closed, most of the restaurant and announcing that service fees for room serve would be waved. The second letter was to apologize for the fire alarm and subsequent evacuation... It was never a dull moment in The Rydges Hotel!
Despite the extra screening to make sure we hadn't been to China in the past two weeks, the embarkation process was the most efficient I've experienced. We simply walked across the street, the porters took our bags and we proceeded to check-in. The very short line moved quickly and we were onboard before noon even though the paperwork said to board between 12:30 and 5:30. Our intention was to check our luggage in and play around town a bit but we got swept up in the organized set-up so we went with it! Immediately upon reaching the lobby area, we found ourselves standing beside "Alfredo's", an Italian Pizzaria. So...in we went! I had a delicious Gluten Free seafood pizza (picture would NOT load!) and Barry had a margharita pizza... and a little Sangria to wash it down!
By the time we finished our meal, the cabins were ready. That NEVER happens! We had a few items with us to begin getting settled... or at least I did, Barry got settled on the bed for a quick nap. It was tough work walking across the street! Our cabin had great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so I took the obligatory selfie.
Also right off our balcony, was our hotel. Now you can see how close we were to the port! We literally walked across the street and we were in the port grounds. Off to the left, I realized we missed out on dining at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Until I was standing above it, I didn't know there was a rooftop restaurant. Next time... a little something to look forward to!
Our luggage was delivered in record time... so I was able to make myself at home in the cabin. As always, I unpacked and set up my family photo. This allows me to always be "with" my children even when we are half a world apart! The other thing I do each trip... using hook magnets, I hang jewelry, purses, ties, scarves, umbrellas, hats to organize and save space. Then, the most important part... decorations! The outside door and inside the cabin are always decorated. In a couple of days it will be Valentine's Day so there are hearts everywhere! Our neighbor asked if she could take a pic of our front door because VD is her birthday. Of course she can take pictures... but I did one better... after she walked away, I decorated HER door.
We walked up to the Wake View Bar to enjoy sail away... we waited... and waited...and waited... due to immigration issues, we were several hours late departing. We ended up going back to our cabin and preparing for dinner.
As we walked out the door, I took a quick peek at the "Coupon Books" delivered to our stateroom. I've never paid attention to them and I'm not sure why I decided to this time but boy was it worth it! On the second page was a "Buy One, Get One Free" for a Specialty Restaurant on Embarkation Day only. We had planned on going to the Main Dining room but this was too good a deal to pass up! Barry started with a salad... lots of tomatoes so I didn't get one. Instead, I had Steak Tartare. Lamb chops for me and a Rib Eye for Barry... and we were happy to see Prisoner on the menu.
After dinner, we moved to the Crown Grill bar area to finish enjoying our wine. Once finished, we headed back to our cabin. On our way, we passed the Princess Theater where a Canadian violinist, named Chris Watkins, was starting his second show of the night. We ducked in for a quick peek. He was VERY talented.. we stayed for about half the show, which is unusual for us. We don't attend many shows. Until tomorrow...
